"I did not hear that she had a son," said old Mr. King, as something seemed to be required of him.
"I did not know it until after his mother died," said Madam Van Ruypen, her voice breaking, "then chance report brought me the news. But I could never get in touch with his father, though I tried many a time. Cornelius Leffingwell was—"
"Cornelius?" broke in Mr. King.
"The name of Emily's husband," said the old lady.
"That is Pip's name, too," said the old gentleman.
XXVIII
BEN DECIDES THE MATTER FOR HIMSELF
Ben walked back and forth, his hands thrust deeply in his pockets. "It's no use, Mamsie," he came now and stood straight before her, his blue eyes fastened steadily upon her face; "I've just got to do it."
"There is no need for you to say that, Ben." Mrs. Fisher's tone was quiet, but the blood was leaping in her veins. "You're my oldest child," then her voice broke.